Thesis and Dissertation Defenses
Extending the Reach of Directional Dark Matter Experiments Through Novel Detector Technologies
Presented by Nguyen Phan, UNM
The nature of dark matter remains one of the most important unresolved questions in physics. One of the leading candidates is a class of particles known as weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). Measuring the direction of WIMP-induced nuclear recoils can provide a powerful and unambiguous signature for the detection of Galactic dark matter. Of the technologies currently employed to detect this signature, the low pressure Time Projection Chamber (TPC) is the most mature, but faces numerous challenges due to its low target density. We will highlight some of these challenges and describe ways to overcome them by maximizing sensitivity with a scalable, robust and low cost technology. Results from R&D work at the University of New Mexico that show progress towards these goals will be presented.
2:00 pm, Tuesday, August 30, 2016
PAIS-2540, PAIS
Individuals with disabilities who need an auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in P&A events should contact the Physics Department (phone: 505-277-2616, email: physics@unm.edu) well in advance to ensure your needs are accomodated. Event handouts can be provided in alternative accessible formats upon request. Please contact the Physics front office if you need written information in an alternative format.
A schedule of talks within the Department of Physics and Astronomy is available on the P&A web site at http://physics.unm.edu/pandaweb/events/index.php